effischer

Responses from effischer

Greatest Rock Guitar Riffs
Zappa, Inca RoadsIf you haven't done so, go see Dweezil do "Zappa plays Zappa". I was fortunate enough to see Frank 3 times, and Dweezil is definitely got the chops. 
Dolby NR encoding - did it ever work
+1 Cleeds. Exactly correct. The deck has to be correctly biased for the specific tape, the user has to have the correct equalization selected for the tape formula and the record head has to be correctly aligned or it won't work properly. I have ca... 
Attach your drool cup before opening ...
Thanks! Nice article. 
Phono Interconnect
Couldn't quickly find the RM5SE manual online, but if it has the same RCA output configuration as the 5.1, you can use any good quality RCA interconnect. You don't have to have an integrated ground lead in the IC as any insulated conductor will do... 
Measuring VTF on a Clearaudio Concept
I have the DS-1 and love it. It works beautifully and if you want to get hyper-precise, can even measure in carats. You will want to remove the mat before setting your VTF as the balance surface is about 3mm or so above the bottom of the scale bod... 
Mcintosh MX132 : good 2 channel performer?
I auditioned a newer MX120 and wasn't impressed. Went with a MAC-3 for surround and a C50 for 2 channel instead. Use the pass through feature in the C50 when running the 5.1. About the same money and much better performance overall, I felt.Good lu... 
Old Sota Turntable Questions
+1 Griffithds. The Sota line is about as serviceable as can be imagined. Got my Sapphire II+ refurbished with a Series V platter, springs, belt, matched arm board and power supply. Made it sound much better than new for a very reasonable price, IMO. 
Otari or Technics Reel-to-Reel ?
I had a TEAC A-3440 multi-track back in the day. Go for Otari or Tandberg - they have a very strong following and are serviceable. Note that head alignment isn't enough - you also have to bias the record circuit for the tape(s) you want to use. I ... 
What to upgrade first for better sound quality?
I'd also strongly suggest you do a LOMC cartridge. I'm a big Dynavector fan, but there are several in the $2K range that are very good. Do some auditions. Consider a Sutherland 20/20 for a head unit - very nicely engineered and very reasonable sec... 
What drives your music and live show preference?
Definitely the music comes before live show for me and I really prefer more complex compositions. I live way too far out in the sticks to do it any other way. That said, my audio hobby is entirely driven by trying to replicate the best sounding sh... 
Townshend Rock, or Sota... Classical music
FWIW, I've run my Sota Sapphire non-vacuum table since I bought it new back when. It has the external power supply. After listening to a number of other tables over the years, I haven't heard anything that would make me "upgrade" from it. My Graha... 
a first integrated amp to build a system around
+1 Paraneer. Auditions are the best way to go, and you really should start with speakers. Electronics have a comparatively smaller influence overall. In this case, time spent up front will really save you money.Good luck & happy listening! 
Tandberg TD20A. I need a reputable repair shop.
+1 on the Soundsmith recommendations - that's where Audio Classics sends Tandberg stuff. Be advised that their service is VERY expensive because they only do total rebuilds. They can also be difficult to get in touch with, so keep trying. Good luck! 
Noise out of speaker from turntable
Cue the arm up and while the platter is spinning and gain up enough to hear. Gently blow on the arm to transit it over the platter. Does the noise change? If so, you may have an intermittent ground fault inside the arm. If the noise is stable, rep... 
Klipsch heresy questions
IMO, yes. I had a pair Heresy series I and a pair of Heresy stage monitors. I found their sound to be more natural. Strongly suggest tube amplification in the 50 to 75 watt range with them - SS amps tend to make them a bit harsh. Good luck & h...